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Bridesmaids #1
The One With The Engagement Party
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For fans of romantic comedies like Bridesmaids and Four Weddings & a Funeral, and bestselling authors Mhairi McFarlane and Jenny Oliver, this is a hilarious new romantic comedy series of four novellas about one bride and her four best friends.
Nora Dervan is getting married... but her four bridesmaids are more full of secrets than champagne.
Bea has barely gotten past the fact that her two best friends are seeing each other, and now they’re engaged, and Cleo is rather distracted by the hot new colleague she absolutely, definitely must not sleep with. Daisy is dreading the singles’ table, whilst Sarah’s own marriage hasn’t turned out to be all she hoped it would be...
Follow Nora from proposal to altar starting with THE ONE WITH THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY, coming 10 June 2016.
For fans of romantic comedies like Bridesmaids and Four Weddings & a Funeral, and bestselling authors Mhairi McFarlane and Jenny Oliver, this is a hilarious new romantic comedy series of four novellas about one bride and her four best friends.
Nora Dervan is getting married... but her four bridesmaids are more full of secrets than champagne.
Bea has barely gotten past the fact that her two best friends are seeing each other, and now they’re engaged, and Cleo is rather distracted by the hot new colleague she absolutely, definitely must not sleep with. Daisy is dreading the singles’ table, whilst Sarah’s own marriage hasn’t turned out to be all she hoped it would be...
Follow Nora from proposal to altar starting with THE ONE WITH THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY, coming 10 June 2016.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 10, 2016
17 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Erin Lawless
15 books331 followersErin Lawless would probably love to be your Goodreads friend.
Although she's predominantly on here with her reader hat on, she's published a book of short stories and flash fiction - The Last Train Home & Other Stories - and two bestselling British contemporary romances for HarperCollins' award-winning romance imprint Harper Impulse, The Best Thing I Never Had and Somewhere Only We Know .
Her most recent release, The One With All The Bridesmaids , follows one bride and her four bridesmaids from proposal to altar - and according to one review is like the film Bridesmaids, but funnier..!
Outside of Goodreads (and the third person) she blogs about dreadfully interesting things at www.erinlawless.co.uk and chats rubbish / spams pictures of her baby on Twitter and Instagram as @rinylou.
Although she's predominantly on here with her reader hat on, she's published a book of short stories and flash fiction - The Last Train Home & Other Stories - and two bestselling British contemporary romances for HarperCollins' award-winning romance imprint Harper Impulse, The Best Thing I Never Had and Somewhere Only We Know .
Her most recent release, The One With All The Bridesmaids , follows one bride and her four bridesmaids from proposal to altar - and according to one review is like the film Bridesmaids, but funnier..!
Outside of Goodreads (and the third person) she blogs about dreadfully interesting things at www.erinlawless.co.uk and chats rubbish / spams pictures of her baby on Twitter and Instagram as @rinylou.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
June 1, 2016
3.5 -
One Bride and four bridesmaids, from proposal to altar...
Stars!
Erin Lawless is an author new to me, and what better way to make an acquaintance than with a wedding! Told over four parts, The One With The Engagement Party introduces you to the large cast of characters that will ultimately be taking part in the wedding of Nora Dervan to Harry Clarke.
Four bridesmaids and four groomsmen, some single, some married, and some are not a 100% what they want or where they should be going. This, the first instalment in the Bridesmaids series, is really more of a scene setter than anything, there are hints that Bridesmaid Bea, may have a soft spot for groomsman Eli, and that Sarah and Cole Norris’ marriage may not be sitting on the solid foundations everyone thinks it is, but for me at this point, I am itching to know more about Cleo, also part of the bridal party, and her friend/colleague Gray, who isn’t, and the attraction that is bubbling between them.
"Eat. Drink. Be merry. Dance!"
There are a lot of POV’s, plot points and general introductions in this novella, at this point I have no idea the direction it may take, or where all the characters will end up, but it all looks very promising, and I am looking forward to seeing what occurs in the next episode The One With The Wedding Dress due for release mid-July.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
Erin Lawless is an author new to me, and what better way to make an acquaintance than with a wedding! Told over four parts, The One With The Engagement Party introduces you to the large cast of characters that will ultimately be taking part in the wedding of Nora Dervan to Harry Clarke.
Four bridesmaids and four groomsmen, some single, some married, and some are not a 100% what they want or where they should be going. This, the first instalment in the Bridesmaids series, is really more of a scene setter than anything, there are hints that Bridesmaid Bea, may have a soft spot for groomsman Eli, and that Sarah and Cole Norris’ marriage may not be sitting on the solid foundations everyone thinks it is, but for me at this point, I am itching to know more about Cleo, also part of the bridal party, and her friend/colleague Gray, who isn’t, and the attraction that is bubbling between them.
"Eat. Drink. Be merry. Dance!"
There are a lot of POV’s, plot points and general introductions in this novella, at this point I have no idea the direction it may take, or where all the characters will end up, but it all looks very promising, and I am looking forward to seeing what occurs in the next episode The One With The Wedding Dress due for release mid-July.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was my absolute pleasure to provide the above honest review.
May 30, 2016
The One With the Engagement Party is a promising start to the Bridesmaids novella series and has definitely captured my attention.
Erin Lawless has done a great job in setting the groundwork for the continuing story whilst introducing us to the plethora of characters involved in the happy couple's pending nuptials; often so many characters can make a story too busy and can become confusing as to who's who, but this absolutely wasn't the case here. And amongst the introductions was humour, banter and blossoming romances.
"What the eff is documentary-style photography? What, are they gonna serialise your wedding and stick it up on Netflix?"
I could have happily carried on reading but thankfully there's not too long a wait as The One With the Wedding Dress releases in July. If an easy-read rom-com is what you're after, then this series is worth checking out.
Copy received courtesy of HarperImpulse via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Erin Lawless has done a great job in setting the groundwork for the continuing story whilst introducing us to the plethora of characters involved in the happy couple's pending nuptials; often so many characters can make a story too busy and can become confusing as to who's who, but this absolutely wasn't the case here. And amongst the introductions was humour, banter and blossoming romances.
"What the eff is documentary-style photography? What, are they gonna serialise your wedding and stick it up on Netflix?"
I could have happily carried on reading but thankfully there's not too long a wait as The One With the Wedding Dress releases in July. If an easy-read rom-com is what you're after, then this series is worth checking out.
Copy received courtesy of HarperImpulse via NetGalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
December 25, 2016
Nora and Harry are engaged. Nora is going to marry her best friend and she wants to make sure her big day will be special. She has chosen four bridesmaids, good friends who are going to be there to make her day memorable. They each have their own feelings and struggles and the question is if their friends will be as happy as Nora and Harry? While organizing the engagement party a lot is going on in all of their lives...
The One With the Engagement Party is a fun novella about a group of friends and their love lives. Nora and Harry are very much in love. They'd been friends for a long time when they finally realized there was more and now they are ready to take the next step. It was fun to take a peek in the lives of the bride-to-be and the friends she has chosen to be her bridesmaids. They solve problems, think about their own love lives and are trying to get used to the new situation. I had the idea that I got random peeks into their world and liked that very much. Erin Lawless gives her readers glimpses of their personalities, their relations to one another and their secrets. I immediately loved reading about this great group of people and am curious to find out more.
The One With the Engagement Party is an unusual and creative story. I think the idea of following several main characters is great and I enjoyed reading about their emotions, perceptions and thoughts about one another. I didn't want this novella to end and I already look forward to reading more. Engagement parties, dress shopping and wedding planning are things I love to read about, so this series is exactly my cup of tea.
The One With the Engagement Party is a fun novella about a group of friends and their love lives. Nora and Harry are very much in love. They'd been friends for a long time when they finally realized there was more and now they are ready to take the next step. It was fun to take a peek in the lives of the bride-to-be and the friends she has chosen to be her bridesmaids. They solve problems, think about their own love lives and are trying to get used to the new situation. I had the idea that I got random peeks into their world and liked that very much. Erin Lawless gives her readers glimpses of their personalities, their relations to one another and their secrets. I immediately loved reading about this great group of people and am curious to find out more.
The One With the Engagement Party is an unusual and creative story. I think the idea of following several main characters is great and I enjoyed reading about their emotions, perceptions and thoughts about one another. I didn't want this novella to end and I already look forward to reading more. Engagement parties, dress shopping and wedding planning are things I love to read about, so this series is exactly my cup of tea.
September 21, 2016
Nora was going to be married soon so she invited her four besties on her engagement party. It was supposed to be fun and happy and everyone should be cheering for the newly-engaged, right?
So, what's to do in an engagement party?
Oh well, it isn't that quite merry and bright when the involved parties had their own affairs to fix.
I love reading wedding/engagement stories because I get to know the horrors and pleasures of being engaged and settling down. I am a married woman and enjoying life so far, so reading other bride stories always perk me up. I was just surprised to see/read four-five stories incorporated in one book/continuing series. My mind's quite busy lately so I couldn't keep up with the names of other characters/bridesmaids. But I can tell that they each have their own unique tales to tell, love issues to solve and relationships to mend.
For Nora's engagement party, her four bridesmaids also took centerstage, following her demands through Pinterest boards and private group talks. I immediately got intrigued about Bea and Chloe's animosity with each other. I felt there's something more brewing between these two raging tigresses and I intend to get to the bottom of it. Sarah's relationship with her husband wasn't all sunshine and lemons, while Daisy's Tinder habit is making me question about online dating and apps nowadays.
This has been a short story, the beginning of a series that hopefully I could get to read soon. Erin Lawless' writing is good and effective, the pacing was light and quick and the stories hold promise. The abrupt ending just really bummed me out. But hey, I wouldn't want to be left out in the wedding. so yeah, I think I'll give this series another try!
So, what's to do in an engagement party?
Oh well, it isn't that quite merry and bright when the involved parties had their own affairs to fix.
I love reading wedding/engagement stories because I get to know the horrors and pleasures of being engaged and settling down. I am a married woman and enjoying life so far, so reading other bride stories always perk me up. I was just surprised to see/read four-five stories incorporated in one book/continuing series. My mind's quite busy lately so I couldn't keep up with the names of other characters/bridesmaids. But I can tell that they each have their own unique tales to tell, love issues to solve and relationships to mend.
For Nora's engagement party, her four bridesmaids also took centerstage, following her demands through Pinterest boards and private group talks. I immediately got intrigued about Bea and Chloe's animosity with each other. I felt there's something more brewing between these two raging tigresses and I intend to get to the bottom of it. Sarah's relationship with her husband wasn't all sunshine and lemons, while Daisy's Tinder habit is making me question about online dating and apps nowadays.
This has been a short story, the beginning of a series that hopefully I could get to read soon. Erin Lawless' writing is good and effective, the pacing was light and quick and the stories hold promise. The abrupt ending just really bummed me out. But hey, I wouldn't want to be left out in the wedding. so yeah, I think I'll give this series another try!
June 13, 2016
This is the first in a series of 4 novellas making up the book all about a wedding. With this one- as the title suggests, we are introduced to all the characters, the bridesmaids and groomsmen for the upcoming weddings.
They are all involved and responsible for checking out various venues and things for the wedding and some venues are simply stunning.
I am looking forward to reading more in the series and how they will all form the whole story!
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for providing an ARC.
They are all involved and responsible for checking out various venues and things for the wedding and some venues are simply stunning.
I am looking forward to reading more in the series and how they will all form the whole story!
With many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for providing an ARC.
Read
June 1, 2016Copy received courtesy of NetGalley
The thing to realize going in is that this book (really more of a novelette) is pure setup. Nothing is resolved: the entire content is an introduction to our main characters, four men and four women, who are the wedding party for Nora, who is getting married in a couple of years.
Right, a couple of years.
But first, all the pre-production has to be arranged, much like organizing a film, and through this process we get to know the wedding party, some of whom are married, some wishing they were. Some secretly in love with others of the party, etc.
Each chapter is headed with a wedding story from real people, apparently, underscoring the truth of “There is either the perfect wedding or the great story,” signaling the crackling humor and warmth of the authorial voice.
Because we switch between characters so often, I sometimes had trouble telling them apart, especially as most of them tend to get drunk a lot. The end comes suddenly, leaving me looking for the rest and leaving me with mixed feelings: I am not fond of serials with cliffhangers, I still couldn’t tell some of the characters apart as they sounded and acted the same, but I really liked the authorial voice.
I think I’d check out of the rest of this story arc when it’s all done; people who enjoy cliffhangers will find a link at the end to sign up for release of the next installment.
The thing to realize going in is that this book (really more of a novelette) is pure setup. Nothing is resolved: the entire content is an introduction to our main characters, four men and four women, who are the wedding party for Nora, who is getting married in a couple of years.
Right, a couple of years.
But first, all the pre-production has to be arranged, much like organizing a film, and through this process we get to know the wedding party, some of whom are married, some wishing they were. Some secretly in love with others of the party, etc.
Each chapter is headed with a wedding story from real people, apparently, underscoring the truth of “There is either the perfect wedding or the great story,” signaling the crackling humor and warmth of the authorial voice.
Because we switch between characters so often, I sometimes had trouble telling them apart, especially as most of them tend to get drunk a lot. The end comes suddenly, leaving me looking for the rest and leaving me with mixed feelings: I am not fond of serials with cliffhangers, I still couldn’t tell some of the characters apart as they sounded and acted the same, but I really liked the authorial voice.
I think I’d check out of the rest of this story arc when it’s all done; people who enjoy cliffhangers will find a link at the end to sign up for release of the next installment.
May 27, 2016
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Impulse for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When requesting this book I wasn't aware that it's only the first installment of a short story collection but I do enjoy those from time to time as well.
I really liked the premise of this novella and I absolutely love the cover. I am a sucker for those chick-lit covers.
Unfortunately I had some serious troubles finding into the story, especially telling the characters apart. Even after finishing it I have no real clue who belongs to who and who got to know their best friend where.
I also found there were too many details for such a short story and there wasn't much progress in the storyline itself.
Even though I kind of enjoyed this book and the author's writing style was easy and good to read.
When requesting this book I wasn't aware that it's only the first installment of a short story collection but I do enjoy those from time to time as well.
I really liked the premise of this novella and I absolutely love the cover. I am a sucker for those chick-lit covers.
Unfortunately I had some serious troubles finding into the story, especially telling the characters apart. Even after finishing it I have no real clue who belongs to who and who got to know their best friend where.
I also found there were too many details for such a short story and there wasn't much progress in the storyline itself.
Even though I kind of enjoyed this book and the author's writing style was easy and good to read.
May 30, 2016
I received the ARC from Harper Impulse via Netgalley in exchange of honest reviews. All opinions are mine.
This is the first part of a four-part novella in which Nora had just gotten engaged to her long-time bestfriend, Harry, and had appointed four of her close friends, Bea, Cleo, Daisy and Sarah, to be her bridesmaids. Each of the novella will focus on different aspects of a wedding from getting the dress, hen weekend and actually getting married. After reading this first installment, I am definitely excited for the next series to be released.
I've always thought it's either a hit or a miss when you read a novella because sometimes it's hard to put in too much details or you put in too much details that it gets messy. However, this novella by Erin Lawless is definitely a hit for me. I love the set-up of the series that makes me want to know more about each of the characters and not just the bride even though naturally, the bride takes center stage.
It might feel that nothing much is happening in this novella (basically it was just Nora and Harry getting engaged and the bridal party and groomsmen prepare for the engagement party) but I felt that it provides a good background story for all of their pasts to come together, like how they first started to be friends with each other and essentially how they are all connected. I thought that it was brilliant that each of the bridesmaids have a different story of how they were connected to Nora and it was nice that each was written in different parts of the novella instead of one shot. If this was written as a full-length novel, this novella does serve its purpose of telling the background story of each of the characters.
Another thing that I also love is the little snippets of story by brides at the beginning of each chapter. I thought that was brilliant and I loved reading through those bits. I thought it was a nice addition to the story.
One thing to note though, there are many characters and it can get quite hard to wrap your head around it but as you go along, you would just remember the characters because I thought they were nicely developed so far and I hope to see some kind of progression in their characters in the upcoming novellas, especially that of Cleo and Gray. :)
This is the first part of a four-part novella in which Nora had just gotten engaged to her long-time bestfriend, Harry, and had appointed four of her close friends, Bea, Cleo, Daisy and Sarah, to be her bridesmaids. Each of the novella will focus on different aspects of a wedding from getting the dress, hen weekend and actually getting married. After reading this first installment, I am definitely excited for the next series to be released.
I've always thought it's either a hit or a miss when you read a novella because sometimes it's hard to put in too much details or you put in too much details that it gets messy. However, this novella by Erin Lawless is definitely a hit for me. I love the set-up of the series that makes me want to know more about each of the characters and not just the bride even though naturally, the bride takes center stage.
It might feel that nothing much is happening in this novella (basically it was just Nora and Harry getting engaged and the bridal party and groomsmen prepare for the engagement party) but I felt that it provides a good background story for all of their pasts to come together, like how they first started to be friends with each other and essentially how they are all connected. I thought that it was brilliant that each of the bridesmaids have a different story of how they were connected to Nora and it was nice that each was written in different parts of the novella instead of one shot. If this was written as a full-length novel, this novella does serve its purpose of telling the background story of each of the characters.
Another thing that I also love is the little snippets of story by brides at the beginning of each chapter. I thought that was brilliant and I loved reading through those bits. I thought it was a nice addition to the story.
One thing to note though, there are many characters and it can get quite hard to wrap your head around it but as you go along, you would just remember the characters because I thought they were nicely developed so far and I hope to see some kind of progression in their characters in the upcoming novellas, especially that of Cleo and Gray. :)
June 2, 2016
In this first part of Erin Lawless's new book we have Nora, who has just got engaged to her bestfriend, Harry. Nora asks her best friends, Bea, Sarah, Cleo and Daisy to be her bridesmaids. I absolutely love the cover on this book and i had enjoyed Erin's other books, so i was a little disappointed i wasnt feeling it with this one. I think i can only put this down to there being too much going on in a short space of time and too many characters, i had a hard job remembering who was who, who was with which boy/girl and felt it hadnt really gone anywhere. I did read it to the end but still felt a little deflated. Just because it wasnt for me, that doesnt mean other people wont enjoy it. Its a case of give it a go and see. Not everyone likes or dislikes the same things thankfully. There will be 4 parts to this book being released over the coming year and im sure it will be a hit with others. I would still read other books from Erin Lawless in the future.
June 2, 2016
A really compelling introduction to this series of novellas. I love Erin's writing so very excited to read more from her. I thought it was a really intriguing beginning and I loved the introduction to the new characters. Erin Lawless writes friendships so well - I can't wait to read more!
October 25, 2019
Thank you Harper Collins UK. Harper Impulse and Netgalley for allowing me to review thus book xx
This was a good quirky read, the cover bright and cheerful just like the characters in the book. I look forward to following them into the following books.
This was a good quirky read, the cover bright and cheerful just like the characters in the book. I look forward to following them into the following books.
July 9, 2016
This was 99 cents, and I'm a sucker for a good British chick lit wedding theme, but this would have been better if it was longer. There were too many characters and situations dumped on us in such a short amount of time that it was hard to follow. But I did chuckle once or twice :)
June 9, 2016
"The One with the Engagement Party" is the first in Erin Lawless's new four - parts "Bridesmaids" series. Here we are introduced to Nora, who's just got engaged to her best friend Harry and asks her friends Bea, Cleo, Daisy and Sarah to be her bridesmaids. It is more of an introduction to the whole series, I think, as it is full of hints about other characters and their lives. However, with this many points of view, characters and events, the stories can take any direction and I am really curious what's going to happen next and with whom. Actually, I think that with all those secrets, with these couples, the wedding party, some secretly in love with others and some developing drama, it would make a perfect TV series.
My problem was that I couldn't connect with the characters and I think it's because there were many of them and this, being a novella, with the limited number of pages resulted in the fact that the author just couldn't give them all as much depth as I'd like her to, and in the end I didn't know who is who and why and what they have to do with each other. I just feel that I wasn't given a chance to get to know them enough to like or dislike them.
What I absolutely enjoyed is that some of the chapters are preceded by wedding stories, real wedding stories, and they were brilliantly funny and I'd love to see more of them. It was a great addition. And Erin Lawless's writing style is really great and easy to follow, it's modern and sophisticated and I enjoyed her story - telling.
The continuous switches between the characters were troublesome for me because really, when I already got used to the person on the scenes, the POV changed to another character and I had problems telling them apart. Also, I was struggling to find a content in this short story to be honest and I had a feeling that except of Nora and Harry getting engaged and organizing the bridal party there is nothing more happening. I missed some depth to this story but I hope that it's going to come with the next instalments.
Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
June 16, 2016
I received this book as an ARC from HarperImpulse, through NetGalley, in return for my honest review.
You may remember that a couple of weeks ago I did a cover reveal for The One With the Hen Weekend by Erin Lawless. The One With the Engagement Party is the first part in the series, and I really enjoyed it!
The whole series will focus on Nora, the bride-to-be, in every area of her wedding planning from the engagement to standing at the alter, and this first book in the series (if you can’t tell from the title) focuses on the engagement party and the beginning of the bridesmaids wedding plans. It’s not something that I’d usually choose to read, but when I see that it was offered on NetGalley and I had already done the cover reveal for a later novella in the series, I jumped at the chance.
Sometimes I’m only in the mood to read a short story or a novella – especially when I’m just coming out of a reading slump. I read this book in about two days, and it was so easy to read! It made a change to read something that is very contemporary and up-to-date in its language and setting. With the bridesmaids planning using things like Whatsapp, it makes the story so normal and everyday that it feels like you’re reading something true and not fictional.
I liked the way the story comes together too: we see stories from each of Nora’s bridesmaids, Bea, Cleo, Daisy and Sarah, including how they came to meet Nora and become her close friend. Each woman has her own story and it’s great to read the interactions between all of the characters. Two characters have a ‘will they get together or won’t they?’ story throughout, and this novella ends with us still not knowing. I finished it really wanting the next one to be released just so I can find out about if they get together.
I can’t wait to read the next parts to the unfolding story and see how the characters and relationships progress!
You may remember that a couple of weeks ago I did a cover reveal for The One With the Hen Weekend by Erin Lawless. The One With the Engagement Party is the first part in the series, and I really enjoyed it!
The whole series will focus on Nora, the bride-to-be, in every area of her wedding planning from the engagement to standing at the alter, and this first book in the series (if you can’t tell from the title) focuses on the engagement party and the beginning of the bridesmaids wedding plans. It’s not something that I’d usually choose to read, but when I see that it was offered on NetGalley and I had already done the cover reveal for a later novella in the series, I jumped at the chance.
Sometimes I’m only in the mood to read a short story or a novella – especially when I’m just coming out of a reading slump. I read this book in about two days, and it was so easy to read! It made a change to read something that is very contemporary and up-to-date in its language and setting. With the bridesmaids planning using things like Whatsapp, it makes the story so normal and everyday that it feels like you’re reading something true and not fictional.
I liked the way the story comes together too: we see stories from each of Nora’s bridesmaids, Bea, Cleo, Daisy and Sarah, including how they came to meet Nora and become her close friend. Each woman has her own story and it’s great to read the interactions between all of the characters. Two characters have a ‘will they get together or won’t they?’ story throughout, and this novella ends with us still not knowing. I finished it really wanting the next one to be released just so I can find out about if they get together.
I can’t wait to read the next parts to the unfolding story and see how the characters and relationships progress!
June 12, 2016
Review first posted on my blog 'A Spoonful of Happy Endings': http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Nora Dervan is over the moon when her boyfriend Harry asks her to marry him and she can't wait to start planning her wedding with the help of her four friends and bridesmaids Sarah, Bea, Cleo and Daisy. First on their list is the engagement party, but it quickly turns out that all four bridesmaids have their own issues to deal with next to Nora's big wedding, so it's going to be quite an interesting few months for all of them.
Erin Lawless is treating us to a new romantic comedy series of four novellas about bride Nora and her four best friends Daisy, Cleo, Sarah and Bea, with 'The One with the Engagement Party' as the first part. In this novella the reader is introduced to the five main characters and what is going on in their lives, setting the scene for what is yet to come. Even though I felt there was quite a lot of information and different names to take in within just roughly 80 pages (I had to go back several times to double check something and make sure I knew who was who), I did really enjoy this read and am already looking forward to the second instalment of the series.
I was introduced to Erin Lawless' writing several weeks ago when I read her novel 'Somewhere Only We Know' and I really like her fun and well-paced writing style which is filled with dialogue. I also really liked the extra references to real wedding stories that were added at the start of some chapters; this was definitely a nice extra touch. Overall, I think 'The One with the Engagement Party' is a wonderful start to this new novella series by Erin Lawless and I already can't wait for the second part, 'The One with the Wedding Dress', which will be released in August!
Nora Dervan is over the moon when her boyfriend Harry asks her to marry him and she can't wait to start planning her wedding with the help of her four friends and bridesmaids Sarah, Bea, Cleo and Daisy. First on their list is the engagement party, but it quickly turns out that all four bridesmaids have their own issues to deal with next to Nora's big wedding, so it's going to be quite an interesting few months for all of them.
Erin Lawless is treating us to a new romantic comedy series of four novellas about bride Nora and her four best friends Daisy, Cleo, Sarah and Bea, with 'The One with the Engagement Party' as the first part. In this novella the reader is introduced to the five main characters and what is going on in their lives, setting the scene for what is yet to come. Even though I felt there was quite a lot of information and different names to take in within just roughly 80 pages (I had to go back several times to double check something and make sure I knew who was who), I did really enjoy this read and am already looking forward to the second instalment of the series.
I was introduced to Erin Lawless' writing several weeks ago when I read her novel 'Somewhere Only We Know' and I really like her fun and well-paced writing style which is filled with dialogue. I also really liked the extra references to real wedding stories that were added at the start of some chapters; this was definitely a nice extra touch. Overall, I think 'The One with the Engagement Party' is a wonderful start to this new novella series by Erin Lawless and I already can't wait for the second part, 'The One with the Wedding Dress', which will be released in August!
June 2, 2016
Erin Lawless is back and with a new series! I am beyond excited about this one! Erin quickly became one of my go-to authors. I absolutely fell under the spell of her engaging, warm and witty writing style. Her books are all about love and life within a tight group of friends, and this brand new series is no exception.
The One with.. is very much character driven story. We have a group of friends that are all in their mid-twenties, and most of them are thinking of the next stage in their lives.
I adored all the characters in this first instalment ( although it takes a few pages to get to know who is who ) they are witty, entertaining and ready to keep us hooked on their life journey.
The opening chapter starts with Save The Date Invitation to Nora Dervan and Henry (Harry) Clarke wedding, there is also a list of the maids and the men, this is giving us reader a look at the group of characters featuring in this book.
I really enjoyed the group dynamics and the relationships they have with each other. Nora, Bea, Sarah, Cleo and Daisy are all very different and have different dilemmas/ problems to deal with but as a group, they seem to pull together and support one another. I equally adored the men they are funny, easy-going and blokey types that would do anything for the happiness of their women.
I am already hungry for the next instalment that can't wait to find out more about Nora and her wedding dress, Bea and her friend and Cleo and her sizzlingly hot colleague Grey!
The One with.. is very much character driven story. We have a group of friends that are all in their mid-twenties, and most of them are thinking of the next stage in their lives.
I adored all the characters in this first instalment ( although it takes a few pages to get to know who is who ) they are witty, entertaining and ready to keep us hooked on their life journey.
The opening chapter starts with Save The Date Invitation to Nora Dervan and Henry (Harry) Clarke wedding, there is also a list of the maids and the men, this is giving us reader a look at the group of characters featuring in this book.
I really enjoyed the group dynamics and the relationships they have with each other. Nora, Bea, Sarah, Cleo and Daisy are all very different and have different dilemmas/ problems to deal with but as a group, they seem to pull together and support one another. I equally adored the men they are funny, easy-going and blokey types that would do anything for the happiness of their women.
I am already hungry for the next instalment that can't wait to find out more about Nora and her wedding dress, Bea and her friend and Cleo and her sizzlingly hot colleague Grey!
May 29, 2016
4.5 bridal stars!
OK so i've never read a series of novellas like this before although I have seen that they are the "new thing" but I loved loved loved Erin Lawlesses first 2 books so when I saw this go up on Netgalley I had to click request... I was right to worry hahaha because I can't believe I have to wait and wait and wait to see what happens to the characters - in a good way!!
The book starts with Nora telling her 4 friends all about how her boyfriend Harry proposed to her and asking them to be her bridesmaids. This book covers the first few months of the year between proposal and wedding and includes the engagement party (obviously) and some venue visiting. I laughed so much at the scenes where the bridesmaids were at open days at the venues! I got married a few years ago now but it was totally like that, so funny.
Like I said the book ends on a cliffhanger (arghhh) but not a terrible one (phew) and I can't wait until July to find out what happened between Cleo and Gray!!!
OK so i've never read a series of novellas like this before although I have seen that they are the "new thing" but I loved loved loved Erin Lawlesses first 2 books so when I saw this go up on Netgalley I had to click request... I was right to worry hahaha because I can't believe I have to wait and wait and wait to see what happens to the characters - in a good way!!
The book starts with Nora telling her 4 friends all about how her boyfriend Harry proposed to her and asking them to be her bridesmaids. This book covers the first few months of the year between proposal and wedding and includes the engagement party (obviously) and some venue visiting. I laughed so much at the scenes where the bridesmaids were at open days at the venues! I got married a few years ago now but it was totally like that, so funny.
Like I said the book ends on a cliffhanger (arghhh) but not a terrible one (phew) and I can't wait until July to find out what happened between Cleo and Gray!!!
June 4, 2016
I've read and enjoyed Lawless' work before, so I decided to give this new novella series a go, even though I have a general aversion to novellas. Unfortunately, it hasn't cured that aversion. It's an entertaining little book, but there's a huge cast of characters and pretty much the whole book is spent introducing them and the relationships between them all. I just about kept up with who was who, and hats of to Lawless for that because there's a heck of a lot of them, but I didn't get a chance to get to know any one well enough to know who I'm really rooting for. When the end came it seemed a bit sudden, and I'm not altogether sure I'll be bothered to read the next installment. Sorry I guess I just like to have my stories all at once.
August 2, 2016
I've been a fan of Erin Lawless, right from the start with The Best Thing I Never Had. And once again, she's given us a warm, funny and witty story.
I've been a bridesmaid myself four times and a bride too and I do LOVE a good wedding. So the premise for these novellas is genius. This first novella introduces us to each of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the bride and groom. It's worth the effort getting to know each character. I look forward to the next instalment. For fans of romantic comedies, that are sharp, witty and fun, this is a must read.
I've been a bridesmaid myself four times and a bride too and I do LOVE a good wedding. So the premise for these novellas is genius. This first novella introduces us to each of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, and the bride and groom. It's worth the effort getting to know each character. I look forward to the next instalment. For fans of romantic comedies, that are sharp, witty and fun, this is a must read.
May 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this novella, reminded me of when I first got engaged and was coordinating bridesmaids! The mix of real life stories and the action of the book complimented each other.
This was a funny and heart warming start for this novella series - look forward to hearing what else the group of friends get up to as the wedding plans ramp up!
This was a funny and heart warming start for this novella series - look forward to hearing what else the group of friends get up to as the wedding plans ramp up!
April 28, 2016
Heartwarming and humorous, The One with the Engagement Party is Erin Lawless at her best. I can't wait for more!
May 27, 2016
I loved this! What a fantastic start to a novella! It was so fun seeing my engagement story in print and I can't wait to read more! Fab, fab, fab!!!
May 29, 2016
Erin Lawless is pitch perfect. She could rewrite the phone book and I'd give it 5 stars. More substantive review to come when the story has progressed a bit... (but I am loving Bea and Eli!)
January 6, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Impulse for the ARC in exchange for an honest review which I am happy to give.
This is the first book that I have read by Erin Lawless and I read this book not aware that it was part of a short series.
I found it hard to get into the story and found that I didn't warm to the characters like I do with most books of this genre. There are so many characters and at times it can get quite confusing.
However I really enjoyed the writing style and found it to be an easy read. I would continue reading this series in the hope that I got to know the characters a little more.
This is the first book that I have read by Erin Lawless and I read this book not aware that it was part of a short series.
I found it hard to get into the story and found that I didn't warm to the characters like I do with most books of this genre. There are so many characters and at times it can get quite confusing.
However I really enjoyed the writing style and found it to be an easy read. I would continue reading this series in the hope that I got to know the characters a little more.
June 14, 2023
Short, predictable, superficial. Without any pretense at an ending clearly designed to sell her next one in the series. The characters are undeveloped and not interesting enough to tempt me anywhere near the next book. Two stars because I did finish it.
October 9, 2018
Good
It was a bit slow for me and took a while to get through, buts as still enjoyable. Good choice.
It was a bit slow for me and took a while to get through, buts as still enjoyable. Good choice.
April 20, 2019
This read like a juicy, gossipy soap opera taking place in and around the back stages of a wedding. Perfect rom-com fodder, great escapist read at the beach or when you need some lightness and laughs
June 11, 2016
Review: this is the first part in a four part serial by Erin Lawless. firstly, as soon as the title/cover was revealed I knew I wanted to read this book because of the title. It sounds like an episode of friends and that excites me. Then when I found out it was about four girls and four guys, it seemed even more meant to be, plus you guys know I love a good serial! Obviously the first part in a serial is a bit of a scene setter and so I was expecting to meet all of the characters and find out what drama would unfold over the following 3 novellas, but what I got was a surprising 'good things come in small packages moment' this had it all and I loved every moment.
Obviously the main focus here is on the characters and each of them gets their own moment in the sun in this novel. The whole wedding setting is great because there is so much scope for drama. Bridesmaids who have the potential to clash, things that have the potential to go wrong and of course possible bridezillas. There hasn't been too much for that so far, this installment is about falling in love with these girls and guys and the storyline as a whole is very much, placing them in their lives. Let me tell you, in terms of what is going to unfold as we move on to future instalments has the potential to be big. I don't want to say any more because-spoilers-but I loved the plot of this one.
The characters.... I really engaged with bride Nora. I'm planning my own wedding right now and so I really related to her. I also loved reading about Sarah because she is kind of the outsider of the bridesmaids, being in the party because she is married to best man Cole. I've been that wife/girlfriend kind of involved in the wedding but not because I was with a member of the wedding party-it's a hard job and I'm sure, along with her own personal struggles, things are going to be tricky for Sarah. I loved reading about Bea as well because she sounds like great fun and there is definitely something sparky between her and Eli. But Cleo and Gray-oh my goodness I so can't wait to find out more about them, they are the kind of people you totally know would hit it off but don't know if they ever realise it themselves and it just warms your heart to read about them. I loved them, I loved the afternoon I spent with them and this book and have already preordered the next instalments so they will hit my kindle as soon as they possibly can.
This is definitely a series I recommend you get into!
Obviously the main focus here is on the characters and each of them gets their own moment in the sun in this novel. The whole wedding setting is great because there is so much scope for drama. Bridesmaids who have the potential to clash, things that have the potential to go wrong and of course possible bridezillas. There hasn't been too much for that so far, this installment is about falling in love with these girls and guys and the storyline as a whole is very much, placing them in their lives. Let me tell you, in terms of what is going to unfold as we move on to future instalments has the potential to be big. I don't want to say any more because-spoilers-but I loved the plot of this one.
The characters.... I really engaged with bride Nora. I'm planning my own wedding right now and so I really related to her. I also loved reading about Sarah because she is kind of the outsider of the bridesmaids, being in the party because she is married to best man Cole. I've been that wife/girlfriend kind of involved in the wedding but not because I was with a member of the wedding party-it's a hard job and I'm sure, along with her own personal struggles, things are going to be tricky for Sarah. I loved reading about Bea as well because she sounds like great fun and there is definitely something sparky between her and Eli. But Cleo and Gray-oh my goodness I so can't wait to find out more about them, they are the kind of people you totally know would hit it off but don't know if they ever realise it themselves and it just warms your heart to read about them. I loved them, I loved the afternoon I spent with them and this book and have already preordered the next instalments so they will hit my kindle as soon as they possibly can.
This is definitely a series I recommend you get into!
June 4, 2016
I love a good book series and Erin Lawless’s latest offering Bridesmaids – The One with the Engagement Party has the makings of being a fantastic set of stories.
Bridesmaids – The One with the Engagement Party focuses on Nora and her four best friends Bea, Cleo, Daisy and Sarah. The bride, Nora, has chosen her bridesmaids carefully and they are about to help her prepare for the biggest day of her life. However, amidst the romance and excitement of the wedding plans there are a few secrets and problems that are about to make themselves known.
Firstly, let me say, I loved the characters in this story. There is Cleo who you want to scream at because of the hot dude just wanting to kiss the face off her (I screamed angrily at my book “Kiss him you fool” on several occasions); then there is Daisy who is fun loving but we haven’t learnt all there is to know about her yet; then we have Sarah, married to Cole who is the best man, who has struggles of her own that she isn’t ready to share with the group; and then there is Bea whom I suspect has a secret yet to be revealed.
This may seem like an exhaustive list but I want to highlight just how quickly Erin Lawless has got me intrigued and invested in these characters. They are interesting, flawed and easy to love. For anyone in there thirties Bridesmaids – The One with the Engagement Party is the perfect company for those long trips to all those weddings that you have inevitably been invited to this summer.
I cannot wait for the next instalment…but I guess I am going to have to.
Bridesmaids – The One with the Engagement Party by Erin Lawless is available from 10th June 2016.
Follow Erin Lawless (@rinylou) on Twitter and for more information visit Erin Lawless’s official website www.erinlawless.co.uk.
For more Harper Impulse (@HarperImpulse) titles please visit www.harperimpulseromance.com.
Bridesmaids – The One with the Engagement Party focuses on Nora and her four best friends Bea, Cleo, Daisy and Sarah. The bride, Nora, has chosen her bridesmaids carefully and they are about to help her prepare for the biggest day of her life. However, amidst the romance and excitement of the wedding plans there are a few secrets and problems that are about to make themselves known.
Firstly, let me say, I loved the characters in this story. There is Cleo who you want to scream at because of the hot dude just wanting to kiss the face off her (I screamed angrily at my book “Kiss him you fool” on several occasions); then there is Daisy who is fun loving but we haven’t learnt all there is to know about her yet; then we have Sarah, married to Cole who is the best man, who has struggles of her own that she isn’t ready to share with the group; and then there is Bea whom I suspect has a secret yet to be revealed.
This may seem like an exhaustive list but I want to highlight just how quickly Erin Lawless has got me intrigued and invested in these characters. They are interesting, flawed and easy to love. For anyone in there thirties Bridesmaids – The One with the Engagement Party is the perfect company for those long trips to all those weddings that you have inevitably been invited to this summer.
I cannot wait for the next instalment…but I guess I am going to have to.
Bridesmaids – The One with the Engagement Party by Erin Lawless is available from 10th June 2016.
Follow Erin Lawless (@rinylou) on Twitter and for more information visit Erin Lawless’s official website www.erinlawless.co.uk.
For more Harper Impulse (@HarperImpulse) titles please visit www.harperimpulseromance.com.
July 22, 2016
About the book:
Nora Dervan is getting married... but her four bridesmaids are more full of secrets than champagne.
Bea has barely gotten past the fact that her two best friends are seeing each other, and now they’re engaged, and Cleo is rather distracted by the hot new colleague she absolutely, definitely must not sleep with. Daisy is dreading the singles’ table, whilst Sarah’s own marriage hasn’t turned out to be all she hoped it would be...
My thoughts:
I have been looking forward to reading this for a while. I definitely wasn't disappointed as I loved all of the characters. I would probably say my favourite was Cleo, as I liked the interactions between her and Gray. Although each character has a good part in this book. I loved the idea of the long held friendships within the story. Then you also had the impact of newer friends and how they fit into a already established group of people.
It was a nice touch to read from multiple points of view. I thought at first I may have gotten a bit confused. However this never happened as long as I focused on who was who. I can however understand if people do get confused as there are a few characters to follow.
The story was engaging and really helps set up the next book in the series. I think the next book will be even more interesting because this book has introduced the characters. I am guessing the plot will flow even better in the next one. I pretty much read this in one sitting it definitely kept my interest. Even though it's a novella it didn't feel rushed or abrupt to me.
Overall:
The One With the Engagement Party is all about love and friendship. It really is a great start to the Bridesmaids series!
Four stars from me!
Thank you to HarperImpulse & Netgalley for my copy to read and review. This is my honest opinion.
Nora Dervan is getting married... but her four bridesmaids are more full of secrets than champagne.
Bea has barely gotten past the fact that her two best friends are seeing each other, and now they’re engaged, and Cleo is rather distracted by the hot new colleague she absolutely, definitely must not sleep with. Daisy is dreading the singles’ table, whilst Sarah’s own marriage hasn’t turned out to be all she hoped it would be...
My thoughts:
I have been looking forward to reading this for a while. I definitely wasn't disappointed as I loved all of the characters. I would probably say my favourite was Cleo, as I liked the interactions between her and Gray. Although each character has a good part in this book. I loved the idea of the long held friendships within the story. Then you also had the impact of newer friends and how they fit into a already established group of people.
It was a nice touch to read from multiple points of view. I thought at first I may have gotten a bit confused. However this never happened as long as I focused on who was who. I can however understand if people do get confused as there are a few characters to follow.
The story was engaging and really helps set up the next book in the series. I think the next book will be even more interesting because this book has introduced the characters. I am guessing the plot will flow even better in the next one. I pretty much read this in one sitting it definitely kept my interest. Even though it's a novella it didn't feel rushed or abrupt to me.
Overall:
The One With the Engagement Party is all about love and friendship. It really is a great start to the Bridesmaids series!
Four stars from me!
Thank you to HarperImpulse & Netgalley for my copy to read and review. This is my honest opinion.
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